Calcium signal compartmentalization
Biol. Res
;
35(2): 177-182, 2002.
Article
in English
| LILACS
| ID: lil-323339
RESUMO
Cytosolic calcium signals are produced by suddenly increasing the concentration of free calcium ions (Ca2+). This can occur by opening channels permeable to Ca2+ either in the surface cell membrane or in the membranes of intracellular organelles containing high Ca2+ concentrations. Ca2+ signals can control several different processes, even in the same cell. In pancreatic acinar cells, for example, Ca2+ signals do not only control the normal secretion of digestive enzymes, but can also activate autodigestion and programmed cell death. Recent technical advances have shown that different patterns of Ca2+ signals can be created, in space and time, which allow specific cellular responses to be elicited. The mechanisms responsible for Ca2+ signal compartmentalization are now largely known and will be described on the basis of recent studies of Ca2+ transport pathways and their regulation in pancreatic acinar cells. It turns out that the Ca2+ handling as well as the structural characteristics of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the mitochondria are of particular importance. Using a variety of Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescent probes placed in different sub-cellular compartments in combination with local uncaging of caged Ca2+, many new insights into Ca2+ signal generation, compartmentalization and termination have recently been obtained
Full text:
Available
Index:
LILACS (Americas)
Main subject:
Pancreas
/
Cell Compartmentation
/
Calcium Signaling
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Biol. Res
Journal subject:
Biology
Year:
2002
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United kingdom
Institution/Affiliation country:
University of Liiverpool/GB
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